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Daily News for
Friday, January 16, 2026
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Place Names of Adair Co. at Feb Genealogical Society meeting

The next meeting of the Adair County Genealogical Society will feature a presentation on "Place Names In Adair County - with Mike Watson".

The meeting is scheduled for 5pmCT on February 2, 2026, at the Adair County Genealogy & History Research Center, 307 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY.


2026-01-16 16:53:29 | Comments | Printable version

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Basketball: Indians take the floor in 2A action



2026-01-16 - Owensboro, KY - Photo by Trey Stephens.
The Adair County Indians are on the court facing the Bell County Bobcats in the 2A State Championship in Owensboro, KY. Adair County trails Bell County after one quarter 21-6. Samuel Feese is the only scorer for the Tribe with two triples.

Update 1 from Trey:With 2:21 left in the second quarter Adair County trails the Bell County Bobcats 31-14. Samuel Feese leads the scoring with six followed by Tylin George with five.

Update 2 from Trey: The Tribe trails 37-20 at the half to Bell County. The half was marred by poor shooting and an inability to slow down the Bobcats offense. Adair County on the half shot 29% from the floor while Bell County shot 54%. The leading score for the Indians remains Samuel Feese with six followed by John Shehan and Tylin George both with five.

Read More... | Permalink | Comments?

Letter: How to watch the Indians online

Vicky Brock asks
Is there a way to watch the Adair Co game tonight on tv or pc? Thanks.
It looks like PrepSpin is the official partner for the Owensboro SportsCenter. Friday's game between the Adair County Indians Boys Varsity Basketball Team and the Bell County Bobcats in the first round of the H&W Dukes Kentucky 2A State Championship can be streamed here: go.prepspin.com. Virtual tickets are required, and cost $19.95 per day of the tournament.


2026-01-16 16:47:05 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Letters and Reader Feedback

Lee Tucker, 79, Knifley, KY (1946-2026)

Lee Tucker of Knifley died on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Summit Manor Nursing Home. He was 79 years old.

There will no visitation or funeral service.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-01-16 15:06:10 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Terry R. Sullivan, 69, Columbia, KY (1956-2026)

Terry R. Sullivan of Columbia died on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Baptist Health in Lexington. He was 69 years old.

The funeral service will be held at NoonCT on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home, 200 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY. Burial will follow in Freedom Cemetery.

Visitation is requested after 10amCT on Saturday.


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2026-01-16 15:02:40 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Basketball: Indians in 2A play in Owensboro

By Trey Stephens, Staff Writer

On Friday, January 16, 2025, the Adair County Indians Boys Varsity Basketball team is back in action to face Bell County Bobcats (12-2) at the Owensboro SportsCenter in the first round of the H&W Dukes Kentucky 2A State Championship.

The Indians come off a road win against Monroe County this past Tuesday, which was for much of the Adair County faithful just a bit too close for comfort. The Bobcats come off a 85-54 win over Knox Central this past Saturday.

The names to watch for Bell County are senior Blake Burnett, who is averaging over 18 points per game, and Junior Ethan Buell, who is averaging almost 17 points per game. Burnett is also the leading rebounder for Bell County, with an average of 6.6 rebounds per game.

The teams are very close in overall scoring, with Bell County averaging 73.9 point per game, compared to the Tribe's 74.6 points per game. The Bobcats overall have shot the ball well this season, making on 51% of field goals, and Adair County has made on 50% of field goals this season. The Bobcats have a slightly larger edge on distance shooting, making 36% from three point range this season, compared to Adair County's 31%.

A much larger gaps exists in the average points these two teams give up in a game. Adair County averages giving up almost 70 points per game, while Bell County averages giving up under 50 points per game. Another large gap exists between these two teams in rebounding, Bell County averages just 27.4 rebounds per game, while Adair County averages 34.5 rebounds per game. If those rebounding averages hold in Friday's game, it could be a difference-maker. Adair County is 10-2 on the season when outrebounding their opponents, and 9-0 when out rebounding their opponents by at least five.

This is the first appearance for the Indians in the 2A State Tournament since 2022, and only the second ever. If you can make the trip up to Owensboro and cheer on Adair County, tip off is scheduled for 5pmCT on January 16, 2026, at the Owensboro Sportscenter, 1215 Hickman Ave, Owensboro, KY. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at OwensboroTickets.com or at the door.


2026-01-16 14:54:32 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Sports

James Ephriam Flanagan, 88, Russell County, KY

James Ephriam Flanagan, age 88, of Jamestown, KY passed away Tuesday, January 13 2026 at Fairoaks Nursing Home.

He was born on Sunday, January 09 1938, in Jamestown, Ky.


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2026-01-16 11:27:36 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Columbia-Adair EDA to meet Jan 21

From Larry Walker, Chairman
Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority

The Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority Board will hold the January monthly meeting at 8amCT on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Welcome and Development Center, 201 Burkesville Street, Columbia, KY.

Meeting Agenda:


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2026-01-16 09:57:33 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Barn Lot Theater awarded KAP grant

From Leeann Potter

Frankfort, KY - On January 15, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 112 nonprofit arts organizations across the commonwealth will benefit from more than $1.2 million in funding in the 2026 fiscal year through the Kentucky Arts Council's Kentucky Arts Partnership (KAP) grant.

Nine new organizations were approved in this year's grant cycle, including Barn Lot Theater in Edmonton. The competitive grants are awarded annually.

Kentucky nonprofit arts organizations that provide year-round arts programs and opportunities can apply for general operating support funds through KAP starting in late November. The 2027 KAP applications are currently open. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2026. A full list of Kentucky Arts Partners can be found at artscouncil.ky.gov.


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2026-01-16 08:59:02 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Arts Scene

Barren River Lake SRP to receive $9.5M in upgrades

From Anita Hatchett

Lucas, KY - Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Barren River Lake State Resort Park will receive $9.5 million in upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and attract new travelers.


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2026-01-16 08:52:27 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Kentucky

TJSCH/TJ Health Columbia earn Trauma Center designations

From Stacey Biggs

Glasgow, KY - T.J. Regional Health proudly announces that T.J. Samson Community Hospital and T.J. Health Columbia have each been officially designated as Level IV Trauma Centers, marking a historic milestone as the first trauma-designated hospitals in South Central Kentucky.

The Level IV Trauma Center designation was awarded through the Kentucky State Trauma Care System (KSTCS) under the oversight of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and the Office of the Commissioner, Department for Public Health. The designation confirms that both hospitals meet the Commonwealth's rigorous standards for trauma readiness, including staffing, education, performance improvement, and coordination with emergency medical services.

"This designation is an important milestone for our hospitals and the communities we serve," said Ashley Ritter, Trauma Program Coordinator for T.J. Regional Health. "It reflects the dedication of our emergency department teams and strong collaboration with EMS partners. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continuing to strengthen and enhance trauma care locally."

As Level IV Trauma Centers, T.J. Samson Community Hospital and T.J. Health Columbia are equipped to provide 24/7 trauma evaluation and stabilization, ensure rapid assessment of injured patients, and coordinate transfers to higher-level trauma centers when needed. This designation enhances the region's trauma care network and improves outcomes by ensuring critically injured patients receive the right care at the right time.

"The Level IV Trauma Center designation underscores our ongoing commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and to meeting the evolving healthcare needs in south central Kentucky," said Neil Thornbury, CEO. "We are strengthening the trauma services across our region and improving access to lifesaving care for patients who depend on us."


2026-01-16 08:46:25 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Health Care

Kentucky reports first positive measles case in 2026

From Kendra Steele/Beth Fisher

Frankfort, KY - The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) announced today that an unvaccinated Jessamine County resident has tested positive for measles. This is the first confirmed case of measles in a Kentucky resident since July 2025.

This person was exposed to measles when an out-of-state traveler who was infectious visited Fayette County between December 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026. This resulted in community exposures first announced by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on January 9, 2026. This case of measles is not related to community exposures between Dec. 28-30, 2025, in Grant County, which were linked to a different out-of-state visitor.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children. Measles is spread through the air, where it can remain for up to two hours. The best way to protect against measles is through the MMR vaccine. Receiving two doses of MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles. While the two-dose vaccine is typically administered to children, people of any age can contact their doctor, pharmacy, or local health department about receiving the vaccine. Anyone unsure of their vaccination status can visit the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Kentucky Immunization Registry Public Portal or contact their health care provider.

Currently, the risk to the broader public remains low. Health officials encourage good health habits to prevent transmission of measles and other contagious illnesses, such as washing hands often with soap and warm water, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying at home from work or school when sick.


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2026-01-16 08:36:57 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Health Care

Reba Belden, 79, Columbia, KY (1946-2025)

Reba Burris Belden passed away on January 10, 2026, at TJ Health Columbia. She was 79 years old.

The funeral service will be held at 1pmCT on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home, 200 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY, with Bro. Clifton Bennett officiating. Reba will be laid to rest at Bearwallow Cemetery, where she will be surrounded by the peace and beauty of her Kentucky home.

Visitation is requested after 5pmCT on Monday.


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2026-01-16 08:30:41 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Blue Raiders serve key roles with Adair Co. Indian Athletics

By Duane Bonifer

A pair of Lindsey Wilson University employees are helping expand athletic opportunities for Adair County students.

Assistant Dean of Students Abe Cross is among a group responsible for resurrecting Adair County Public School's wrestling program, and volleyball coach Josh Kreiner has stepped in this season to coach the Adair County Middle School girls' volleyball teams.

Kreiner, who came to Lindsey Wilson from Ohio last March, said that one reason he wanted to help the Adair County Middle School volleyball program was because it would be a good opportunity for him to learn more about his new community.

"I was thinking that this would be a good way for me to put down some roots while helping out in the community," he said. "One of the biggest things that got me interested in the Lindsey Wilson coaching job was how awesome the community was. I was really impressed with the interaction between the campus and the community. That was pretty big to me."

For Cross, who has lived in Adair County for more than 15 years, serving as head wrestling coach in Adair County Schools is a way to help his community and his family. Cross' son Deacon, who is in the fourth grade at Adair County Elementary School, competes on the middle school wrestling team.


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2026-01-16 08:23:08 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Lindsey Wilson University


Birthdays and Anniversaries for January 16
Happy Anniversary, Doug and Pat Ferguson (1964) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Mark and Sharon Pickett | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Ramie and Rachel Hutchison | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Alyssa Simpson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bart Wesley Pelston (1978) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brenda Hadley | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brent Thompson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brie DeShae Hughes (1994) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Connie M. Youngs | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Griffitt Owen Powell (2010) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Marian Grant | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Mike Paradee (1961) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Rollins Irene Reader (2024) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Ryder Paul Gray (2024) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Savannah Bennett-Gordon (1988) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Shawn Richard Peasley | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Timothy Wayne Franklin (2004) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Chris Ann Neat, Columbia, KY (1937-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Judy Ann Neat Hixson, Columbia, KY (1947-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Melvin Cravens, Liberty, KY (1929-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Earl Lee Coffman, Casey Co., KY (1953) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lafe Cave, Taylor County, KY (1919) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Danny Reliford, Adair County, KY (1955) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Talbert Thomas Crawford, 51, Russell County, KY (1961 | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Roy Fred Capps, Sr., Cumberland County, KY (1925) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Nannie Morine Walker York, Green Co., KY (1935) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Norma Colleen Perkins, Russell Co., KY (1930-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lynn Loftin Waldrop, Taylor County, KY (1937-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Betty Jo Sneed, Adair County, KY (1946-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Garnett (Chappie) Clark, Adair County, KY (1919-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gleno Parnell, Adair County, KY (1931-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Margie Robertson, 96, Russell Co., KY (1919-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In memory birthday, Elaine Bennett, Columbia, KY (1952-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. James Ollie (PeeWee) Noe, Green County, KY (1945-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Lucy Coyle, 61, Campbellsville, KY (1955-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dennie Lee Cunningham, 70, Meade County, KY (1946-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Danny Mann, 66, Elk Horn, Taylor Co., KY (1951-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rev. Charles E. Harris, Sr. , Taylor County, KY (1920-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Pamela Gregory, 70, Taylor County, KY (1948-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dennie Giles Murray, 67, Knifley, Adair County, KY (1951-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Arlin J. Scott, 83, Adair Co., KY native (1939-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Barbara (Jeanie) Halsell, 89, Jamestown, KY native (1934-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Betty Tucker-Hayes, 85, Russell Co., KY native (1936-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Calvin Cowan, 92, Adair County, KY (1928-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Christine Burress Livesay, 91, Taylor Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Genette McKinney, 87, Breeding, KY (1937-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Glenn A. Coffey, 81, Russell Springs, KY (1939-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Juanita (Neadie) Louise Burns McKinney, 60, Green Co., KY (1960-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Judy Ferguson, 72, Greensburg, KY (1950-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry Fletcher, 61, Campbellsville, KY (1957-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lloyd Eugene (Gene) Curtis, Sr., 77, Columbia, KY (1946-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Lewis Burton, 73, Adair Co., KY native (1947-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ronnie Earl (Shortie) Ray, Jr., 47, Green County, KY (1974-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sarah E. Taylor, 87, Jamestown, KY (1933-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Wilbert A. (Boss) Blair, 83, Columbia, KY (1943-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Robert Miller, 74, Columbia, KY (1947-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
NoonCTEarly Release for Adair Co. Schools | (ID:70174, Comment)
2:00pmCTServices for Helen Cape Meece, 78, Adair Co., KY native (1947-2026) | (ID:70178, Comment)
5:00pmCTBasketball - KY 2A Championship Play: Adair Co. vs Bell County
Owensboro Sportscenter, 1215 Hickman Ave, Owensboro, KY. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at OwensboroTickets.com or at the door. Admission is $14, and children 5 and under are admitted free. | (ID:70182, Comment)

 






























 
 
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